European peacekeepers in Ukraine would be allowed to defend against Russian attacks
cde.news desk · 1 min read
British and European troops deployed to Ukraine as part of a potential post-war peacekeeping force would be authorised to return fire if attacked by Russian forces, western officials have said.
The proposed Anglo-French-led mission would operate outside NATO and rely almost exclusively on European military capabilities, without depending on US technology such as Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite communications system.
Details emerged as the UK and France announced Exercise Koalicja, a military exercise due to take place in Poland later this month. The 11-country exercise will involve 2,800 military personnel, including 1,500 French troops and 300 British soldiers, and will test plans for a rapid deployment to Ukraine following a ceasefire.
Lieutenant General Tom Bateman said participating countries were committed to providing Ukraine with robust security guarantees and strengthening its military capabilities.
Although any deployment remains hypothetical, officials stressed that troops would be positioned away from the frontline and would act defensively, including protecting themselves against Russian drone attacks.
The force would also contribute to reopening Ukraine’s commercial airports and clearing Black Sea mines to restore maritime trade. The US has ruled out committing American troops to such a mission.
via The Guardian
